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DMSP 5D-3 F16 (USA 172) (28054)
COSPAR: 2003-048A | Alt Name: DMSP F-16
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
October 18, 2003
Launch Site
AFWTR
Launch Pad
SLC4W
Launch Vehicle
Titan II SLV
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28054
International Designator
2003-048A
Epoch
Sat, 04 Jul 2026 05:08:19 GMT
Apogee
Calculating...
Perigee
Calculating...
Inclination
98.99°
Right Ascension
209.15°
Eccentricity
Calculating...
Argument of Perigee
97.92°
Period
101.80 min
Mean Motion
14.14 rev/day
Latitude
Calculating...
Longitude
Calculating...
Altitude
Calculating...
Velocity
Calculating...
Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info
Name
DMSP 5D-3 F16 (USA 172)
Alternative Name
DMSP F-16
Type
Payload
Status
Backup
Owner
AFSMC
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 28054U 03048A 26185.21411236 .00000007 00000-0 27369-4 0 9994
2 28054 98.9886 209.1547 0008203 97.9187 333.4530 14.14484458171891
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The DMSP 5D-3 F16 (USA 172), also known as DMSP F-16, is a meteorological satellite launched on October 18, 2003, from AFWTR SLC4W using the Titan II SLV launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 6.1 meters in length, 1.2 meters in diameter, and a span of 6.6 meters. It was manufactured by LMEW with a configuration based on the TIROS-N Bus. The satellite features a deployable solar array and batteries for power supply, and it weighs 1145 kilograms at launch and dry mass. Its primary mission is meteorology. Equipped with the DMSP Block 5D-3 S-20 payload and a Star 37FP motor, the satellite operates in space with a box plus pan shape and has an RCS of 4.3007 square meters. The design lifetime of this US satellite operated by AFSMC is five years.
Physical Characteristics
Length
6.1
Diameter
1.2
Span
6.6
Dry Mass
1145
Launch Mass
1145
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
4.3007
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
DMSP Block 5D-3 S-20
Purpose
Meteorology
Mission
Meteorology
Manufacturer
LMEW
Life Expectancy
5 years (design)
Bus
Block 5D
Configuration
TIROS-N Bus
Motor
Star 37FP
Equipment
see above
Power System
Deployable solar array, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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